Savannah man adds new fish species to state saltwater records

Brunswick, Ga.

Thursday, November 21, 2024

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The Coastal Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, certified a Savannah man as the newest state-record holder for a Lane Snapper (Lutjanus synagris).

Marcus M. Hannon, 24, landed a Lane Snapper weighing 2 pounds, 15.8 ounces on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024, after bottom fishing at the Savannah Snapper Banks, approximately 30 miles east of Wassaw Sound. The fish measured 18 3/8 inches in total length with a girth of 12 1/2 inches.

This Lane Snapper not only earns a place in Georgia's record books, but also establishes a new species in the Georgia Saltwater Game Fish Records Program.

Using a 7-foot, 6-inch Ugly Stik rod paired with a Penn Fierce IV 5000 spinning reel spooled with 60-pound braided line, Hannon relied on a fiddler crab as bait and a chicken rig featuring two circle hooks and a sinker. He caught the fish aboard a recreational vessel captained by Zach Hollick, also of Savannah.

The catch was weighed by DNR staff using Georgia Department of Agriculture-certified scales at the Richmond Hill Hatchery on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024.

"Setting a state record is a milestone few anglers achieve, and establishing a new species for the record program makes this accomplishment even more remarkable," said Tyler Jones, coordinator of CRD's Saltwater Game Fish Records Program. "Congratulations to Marcus on a truly outstanding catch."

Hannon's record-setting catch will be celebrated with a certificate signed by Governor Brian Kemp, Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Walter Rabon, and CRD Director Doug Haymans. Hannon's name will be featured in the next Georgia Hunting and Fishing Regulations Guide and online at CoastalGaDNR.org/SaltwaterRecords as long as his record stands.

CRD congratulates Hannon on his catch and emphasizes the importance of sustainable fishing practices and the role of anglers in conserving marine resources. In particular, offshore anglers are reminded that descending devices are federally required when fishing for snapper-group species in federal waters offshore. These devices, which must be rigged and ready to use in federal waters, have been shown to reduce mortality in fish experiencing barotrauma.

Anglers in Georgia must have a valid recreational fishing license, a free Saltwater Information Permit (SIP), and adhere to size and possession limits for various species.

The Georgia Saltwater Game Fish Records Program recognizes anglers who land exceptional catches in saltwater and encourages the conservation of marine resources. Detailed state saltwater record program rules and regulations are available at CoastalGaDNR.org/SaltwaterRecords.

View record package

About the Coastal Resources Division

The mission of the Coastal Resources Division is to balance coastal development and protection of the coast's natural assets, socio-cultural heritage and recreational resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

Media Contact

Tyler Jones
Public Information Officer
Coastal Resources Division
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
[email protected]
912-262-3140